Digital Only Subscription
Read the digital SMART Edition of The Times-Tribune on your PC or mobile device, and have 24/7 access to breaking news, local sports, contests, and more at thetimes-tribune.com or on our mobile apps.

Digital Services
Have news alerts sent to your mobile device, read the Smart Edition sign up for daily newsletters, activate your all access, enter contests, take quizzes, download our mobile apps and see the latest e-circulars.

On the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, Joseph P. McDonald manned the switchboard at Fort Shafter in Hawaii when he received the alarming message that radar had detected a large number of planes approaching from the north, heading fast for Oahu.
(read more)

Motorists who use the Pango mobile app to pay at parking meters in Scranton will get reimbursed for any inadvertent overcharges since Sept. 1, the new operator of the city’s parking system said.
(read more)

Article Tools

Riverside High School seniors Gary Lukasiewicz and his prom date, Taylor Berto, both 18, relax at their senior prom on Friday night at the Radisson at Lackawanna Station hotel in Scranton.

He didn't say much when he showed up to his senior prom, but his presence alone was enough to send his classmates into a whirlwind of joyful tears and emotions.

Gary Lukasiewicz, the senior class president who is battling a rare cancer and is the inspiration for the #keepfightinggary Twitter movement, arrived at Riverside High School's prom long enough to be crowned king, leaving his peers and teachers awed and inspired.

When he entered the ballroom at the Radisson at Lackawanna Station hotel in Scranton in his wheelchair, clad in a white tuxedo and black bow tie, classmates stood and clapped, said junior Ross Haberek.

"He looked good in his tux and his shoes. He was rocking the chair," Ross, 17, said.

His classmates belted out his favorite songs, "Sweet Caroline" and "Firework," applauding and cheering as their prom king received his crown - shedding tears of joy as the young man received the recognition they said he deserves.

"My heart dropped," said senior Maryann Fairclough, 18. "It's amazing how people are coming together for him."

Her boyfriend and Gary's cousin, Ben Fortuna, said he was amazed by the strength his cousin showed.

"It's tough to see him like that. He's very courageous though, fighting this," Mr. Fortuna, 19, said. "He's a great kid."

Gary's appearance was the highlight of the prom, students said.

"To see him here, it was exciting for the kids," said Principal Joseph Moceyunas. "He's one of the toughest kids I've ever met."

Mr. Moceyunas said he was happy to see Gary's mom and dad witness the show of support from the students of Riverside.

"I think that was just so amazing for them to see the love, the caring," Mr. Moceyunas said.

Gary's emotional showing at the prom, the reaction from students and the tangible feeling of togetherness was a reflection of the spirit and strength he shows every day, people said.

"It was a testament to the Riverside family," said Vice Principal Dave Walsh.

Contact the writer: ksullivan@timesshamrock.com

We welcome user discussion on our site, under the following guidelines:

To comment you must first create a profile and sign-in with a verified DISQUS account or social network ID. Sign up here.

Comments in violation of the rules will be denied, and repeat violators will be banned. Please help police the community by flagging offensive comments for our moderators to review. By posting a comment, you agree to our full terms and conditions. Click here to read terms and conditions.